LS Legal News Bulletin
Pilot EU Settlement Scheme
Wednesday 12th September 2018
On 28 August 2018 the private beta phase of EU Settlement Scheme has begun. Only limited number of people are participating in the scheme, including EU nationals and family members of EU nationals who are either studying or working at Liverpool universities or working for 12 NHS Trusts in Northern England. As this scheme is an experiment, it is likely that the process will be adjusted to register remaining EU nationals and their family members.
At the moment applicants are required to complete online application form, which is accessible by invitations only. A proof of identity together with supporting documents should be provided in form of photographs or scanned digital images. However, the Home Office has a right to request original documents to be provide in case there is a reasonable doubt as to the authenticity of the information submitted.
There are no application fees for those who has been previously issued with a permanent residence document, otherwise fees are £65 for adults and £32.50 for children under 16 years of age.
The pilot scheme makes it easier for EU nationals to get a settled status. An EU applicant who has been continuously resident in the UK for five years will be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), unless he/she was absent from the UK for more than 5 consecutive years or there was a decision to exclude or remove an applicant or previous residence document was revoked. There is currently no requirement to show economic activities or a comprehensive sickness insurance for students and self-sufficient persons.
If an EU national is not able to show five years of continuous residence in the UK, he/she will be eligible for 5 years limited leave to remain.
Family members of EU nationals also have to register under a new scheme. Family members include spouses, civil partners, durable partners, children and step-children under 21, dependent children and step-children over 21, dependent parents and other dependent relatives. Unfortunately, there is no concessions for family members.
It is important to remember that as family members are not eligible to reside in the UK on their own rights, they will have to provide documents confirming relationship, identity and residence in the UK for both themselves and their EU sponsors. In cases of dependency they will also have to provide documents confirming dependency, for example bank statements showing money transfers.
The EU Settlement Scheme is expected to be open for everyone at the end of 2018. We will provide an update once more details are available. In a meantime please contact us if you would like your situation to be assessed by an experienced team of immigration case workers. It is better to begin preparations now.
LS Legal Solicitors have established an outstanding reputation in assisting EU nationals and their family members with their immigration matters. Should you wish to secure your status, please contact our firm on 020 81 44 55 88, via email on info@LSLegaLUK.com or use the contact box to discuss your matter or make an appointment.
